Nation

Govt backbencher has reservations over Govt Procurement Bill, says should not be passed in a rush

KUALA LUMPUR: A government backbencher has expressed strong reservation over the Government Procurement Bill 2025, saying it contains many weaknesses and should not be passed in a rushed manner.

South Korea

Influencer claims US$10mil win over Buldak noodles that made her sick. Samyang says it never happened

SEOUL: A Canadian influencer has stirred controversy after claiming she developed a stomach ulcer from eating Samyang Foods' flagship Buldak noodles and won a US$10.8 million lawsuit against the company.

Nation

Fuel prices Aug 28-Sept 3: Diesel, RON97 up 3sen, RON95 unchanged

KUALA LUMPUR: The retail price of diesel and RON97 petrol in Peninsular Malaysia will be increased by 3sen per litre from Aug 28 to Sept 3.

Nation

Govt Procurement Bill will curb corruption, stop leakages of public funds, says PM

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government Procurement Bill 2025 places full accountability on any party conducting procurement using public funds, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Nation

Plans to interlink KLIA 1, 2 in the works for passenger convenience, says Loke

KUALA LUMPUR: Plans to develop a seamless experience for passengers with connecting flights between KL International Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are on the cards, says Anthony Loke.

China

China says hopes US will welcome more Chinese students

BEIJING: China said on Wednesday (Aug 27) it hopes the United States will welcome more Chinese students, after President Donald Trump said he intended to allow 600,000 students to enter the country.

Nation

E-commerce revenue hit RM625bil in first half of 2025, says Domestic Trade Ministry

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's e-commerce sector recorded RM625bil in revenue in the first half of 2025, a RM13.5bil increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.

Nation

Transparency, accountability must be mandatory, says Anwar in tabling Govt Procurement Bill

KUALA LUMPUR: With Malaysia's dark history with corruption and past transgressions, transparency and accountability is no longer optional but a mandatory demand, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, stressing that the culture of awarding contracts through direct negotiations will no longer continue.

Singapore

Mini Labubu dolls to be available on Lazada in S’pore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam on Friday (Aug 29)

SINGAPORE: Labubu fans in Singapore keen to get their hands on the miniature versions of the wildly popular ugly-cute dolls can soon buy them on Lazada from 10am on Friday (Aug 29).

Nation

Government Procurement Bill reinforces checks and balances, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: The Prime Minister has dismissed allegations by some parties that the proposed Government Procurement Bill 2025 will give excessive discretionary powers to the Finance Minister.

Sabah & Sarawak

Sabah Day needs unique identity and focus, says Jeffrey Kitingan

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Day, which is celebrated together with National Day on Aug 31, should have a concept and identity of its own, says Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.

Nation

Rent-seeking, interference in procurement criminalised under Govt Procurement Bill, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Rent-seeking, sub-contracting and interference in procurement exercises will be criminalised under the Government Procurement Bill, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Entertainment

Siti Nurhaliza surprises passengers with performance on flight to Indonesia, praised for flying economy

The 46-year-old also invited four fans onboard to perform one of her hits for a chance to win a 'mystery prize'.

Sabah & Sarawak

Sabah has no plans to ban vape for now, taking steps to tighten controls, curb misuse, says state minister

KOTA KINABALU: While Sabah has no plans to ban vape for now, the state is taking a proactive step by tightening controls and curbing its misuse through Operation Selamat Lungs (Ops PaPa).

South Korea

South Korea to ban phones in class in elementary, middle and high schools from March 2026

SEOUL: Starting in March 2026, South Korean students are banned from using phones during class, under a new law that passed the National Assembly on Wednesday (Aug 27).

Nation

PM to deliver National Day address at MAEPS on Saturday

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to deliver the National Day 2025 address on Saturday (Aug 30) at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).

Nation

MP calls for tougher penalties for disrespecting Jalur Gemilang

KUALA LUMPUR: With a recent spike in viral cases of upside-down Jalur Gemilang, an opposition MP has suggested the government amend Malaysia's Constitution to allow criminal charges against anyone who disrespects the national flag.

Thailand

Thai woman jailed for 43 years for lese-majeste freed after royal pardon

BANGKOK: A Thai woman who received one of the kingdom's longest ever royal insult sentences was freed from prison on Wednesday (Aug 27) under a mass pardon marking the king's birthday.

Nation

Over 60% of commercial vehicle operators failed JPJ safety audit, says DG

PUTRAJAYA: More than 60% of the 500 commercial vehicle companies audited under the Special Operation on Safety Audit System Guidelines (Ops Khas JISA) failed to meet safety standards, mainly due to improper installation of Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) said on Wednesday (Aug 27).

World

Thailand grants some Myanmar refugees right to legal work

BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand will give legal employment rights to thousands of Myanmar refugees now living in camps along the border between the two countries, the government said on Wednesday, a move that won the praise of the United Nations' refugee agency.